The Traverse City Cherry Festival is a week-long celebration held annually in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. The festival, which began in 1925, is a tribute to the cherry industry and the region’s cherry-growing heritage. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from around the world, showcasing everything cherry-related, from food to music to art.
The festival takes place over the course of eight days in July, with events and activities happening all across Traverse City and the surrounding area. Highlights of the festival include the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest, the Cherry Pie Eating Contest, and the Grand Parade, which features floats, marching bands, and local businesses. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy cherry-themed food and drinks, including the famous cherry pie, cherry ice cream, and cherry wine.
With its colorful festivities, delectable cherry treats, and vibrant community spirit, the Traverse City Cherry Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves cherries or simply wants to experience a unique and unforgettable celebration.
Traverse City Cherry Festival 2024
A sweet summer celebration in Michigan.
- Cherry-themed festivities
- Food, music, and art
- Cherry Pit Spitting Contest
- Cherry Pie Eating Contest
- Grand Parade
- Family-friendly activities
Experience the cherry capital of the world!
Cherry-themed festivities
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is packed with cherry-themed festivities that celebrate the region’s cherry-growing heritage and the delicious fruit itself.
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Cherry Pit Spitting Contest:
This classic festival event tests contestants’ skills at spitting cherry pits as far as they can. The winner is crowned the Cherry Pit Spitting Champion and receives a cherry-themed prize.
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Cherry Pie Eating Contest:
Another popular event, the Cherry Pie Eating Contest, challenges participants to eat as many cherry pies as they can in a limited amount of time. The person who eats the most pies is declared the winner and receives a cherry pie-related prize.
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Cherry Pie Contest:
This contest showcases the baking skills of local residents and professional chefs. Participants submit their best cherry pies to be judged on taste, appearance, and creativity. The winner receives a prize and the coveted title of Cherry Pie Champion.
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Cherry Jubilee:
This spectacular event features a giant cherry pie that is ceremoniously cut and served to festival attendees. The Cherry Jubilee is a symbolic celebration of the cherry harvest and a delicious way to enjoy the festival’s namesake fruit.
These are just a few of the many cherry-themed festivities that take place during the Traverse City Cherry Festival. With something for everyone to enjoy, the festival is a true celebration of cherries and the community that cherishes them.
Food, music, and art
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is a feast for the senses, offering a wide variety of food, music, and art to festival attendees.
Food:
Cherries are the star of the show at the festival, and they can be found in everything from sweet to savory dishes. Visitors can indulge in cherry pie, cherry ice cream, cherry salsa, cherry BBQ sauce, and even cherry beer. There are also plenty of non-cherry food options available, including burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and tacos.
Music:
The festival features a diverse lineup of musical acts, performing on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds. Genres range from rock and pop to country and bluegrass, with something for everyone to enjoy. There are also opportunities for festival attendees to participate in musical activities, such as karaoke and open mic nights.
Art:
The Traverse City Cherry Festival showcases the work of local and regional artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and jewelry. Visitors can browse and purchase artwork at the festival’s art fair, or simply admire the beautiful pieces on display.
Food, music, and art come together to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere at the Traverse City Cherry Festival. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or an art enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at this annual celebration.
Cherry Pit Spitting Contest
The Cherry Pit Spitting Contest is a classic and beloved event at the Traverse City Cherry Festival. This fun and lighthearted competition tests contestants’ skills at spitting cherry pits as far as they can.
Rules:
The contest is open to all ages and skill levels. Contestants are given a handful of cherries and must spit the pits into a designated area. The pit that travels the farthest distance wins the competition. There are separate categories for children and adults.
Tips for Success:
To increase your chances of winning the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest, here are a few tips:
- Use fresh cherries. Fresh cherries have pits that are more likely to fly far.
- Spit the pits with force. The harder you spit, the farther the pit will go.
- Aim for the target area. The designated area for spitting the pits is usually marked with a line or a cone. Aim for the center of the target area to increase your chances of winning.
Prizes:
The winners of the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest receive a variety of prizes, including cherry-themed merchandise, gift certificates to local businesses, and even cash prizes.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time competitor, the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest is a fun and exciting event that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. So come on down to the Traverse City Cherry Festival and give it a try!
Cherry Pie Eating Contest
The Cherry Pie Eating Contest is another popular event at the Traverse City Cherry Festival. This messy and hilarious competition challenges contestants to eat as many cherry pies as they can in a limited amount of time.
Rules:
The contest is open to all ages and skill levels. Contestants are given a plate of cherry pies and must eat them as quickly as possible. The person who eats the most pies in the allotted time is declared the winner.
Tips for Success:
If you’re thinking about entering the Cherry Pie Eating Contest, here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Don’t eat a big meal beforehand. You want to be hungry when you start the contest, but not so full that you feel sick.
- Take small bites and chew quickly. The faster you eat, the more pies you’ll be able to consume.
- Don’t be afraid to get messy. Cherry pie is a sticky and juicy food, so you’re bound to get some on your face and clothes. Just embrace the mess and have fun!
Prizes:
The winner of the Cherry Pie Eating Contest receives a variety of prizes, including a trophy, a cherry pie-themed gift basket, and bragging rights for the year.
Whether you’re a competitive eater or just someone who loves cherry pie, the Cherry Pie Eating Contest is a fun and exciting event that’s sure to entertain the whole family.
Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is the highlight of the Traverse City Cherry Festival. This colorful and lively parade features floats, marching bands, local businesses, and community groups. The parade route winds through the streets of downtown Traverse City, culminating in a grand finale at the festival grounds.
Floats:
The floats in the Grand Parade are a sight to behold. They are elaborately decorated with cherries, cherry blossoms, and other cherry-themed elements. Some floats even feature live performances by local musicians and dancers.
Marching Bands:
The Grand Parade also features a variety of marching bands, from high school bands to professional marching bands. The bands play lively music that gets the crowd cheering and dancing along.
Local Businesses and Community Groups:
Local businesses and community groups also participate in the Grand Parade, showcasing their products and services and celebrating the community spirit of Traverse City. You’ll see everything from classic cars to antique tractors to local businesses handing out free samples of their products.
Grand Finale:
The Grand Parade culminates in a grand finale at the festival grounds. This is where the parade floats, marching bands, and community groups all come together for a final celebration. There is usually a special performance or ceremony to mark the end of the parade.
The Grand Parade is a fun and festive event that everyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to celebrate the cherry harvest and the community of Traverse City.
Family-friendly activities
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is a family-friendly event with something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the cherry-themed festivities, food, music, and art, there are also a variety of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained.
Kids’ Zone:
The Kids’ Zone is a dedicated area at the festival grounds where kids can play games, participate in crafts, and enjoy live entertainment. There are also inflatables, face painting, and other fun activities for kids of all ages.
Cherry Pie Eating Contest for Kids:
Kids can also participate in their own Cherry Pie Eating Contest. This contest is just like the adult contest, but with smaller pies and shorter time limits. It’s a fun and messy way for kids to get involved in the festival.
Cherry Pit Spitting Contest for Kids:
Kids can also compete in their own Cherry Pit Spitting Contest. This contest is a great way for kids to test their skills and see how far they can spit a cherry pit. There are separate categories for different age groups.
Family Fun Zone:
The Family Fun Zone is an area where families can relax and enjoy some fun activities together. There are games, crafts, and other activities that are perfect for families with young children.
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is a great place to bring the whole family for a day of fun and excitement. With so many family-friendly activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival:
Question 1: When is the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival?
Answer: The 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival will be held from July 6th to July 13th, 2024.
Question 2: Where is the festival held?
Answer: The festival is held throughout downtown Traverse City, Michigan, with the main festival grounds located at the Open Space Park.
Question 3: How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Answer: Admission to the festival is free. However, some events and activities may have a small fee.
Question 4: What are the festival’s highlights?
Answer: The festival’s highlights include the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest, the Cherry Pie Eating Contest, the Grand Parade, and the Kids’ Zone. There is also a wide variety of food, music, and art to enjoy.
Question 5: Is the festival family-friendly?
Answer: Yes, the festival is family-friendly and offers a variety of activities for children, including the Kids’ Zone, the Cherry Pie Eating Contest for Kids, and the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest for Kids.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the festival?
Answer: You can find more information about the festival on the official Traverse City Cherry Festival website.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the festival organizers.
Now that you know all about the festival, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival:
Tip 1: Plan ahead.
The festival is a popular event, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time. Check the festival website for a schedule of events and activities, and make a list of the things you want to see and do. You can also purchase tickets for some events in advance.
Tip 2: Arrive early.
The festival gets crowded, especially on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the day. This will give you more time to enjoy the festival and find parking.
Tip 3: Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking at the festival, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll also want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as there will be plenty of cherry pie and other food to enjoy.
Tip 4: Bring cash.
Some vendors at the festival may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash with you. You can also use cash to purchase tickets for some events and activities.
We hope these tips help you have a fun and memorable visit to the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival!
Now that you have all the information you need to plan your visit, it’s time to start looking forward to the festival. We hope to see you there!
Conclusion
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is a celebration of all things cherry, and it’s a great way to experience the cherry capital of the world. The festival offers something for everyone, from cherry-themed festivities and food to music, art, and family-friendly activities.
In 2024, the festival will be held from July 6th to July 13th. With eight days of fun and excitement, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and start planning your visit to the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival!
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to know about the festival. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the festival organizers.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Traverse City Cherry Festival!